{"id":2118857,"date":"2026-08-29T18:55:26","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T15:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2118857"},"modified":"2026-08-29T18:55:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T15:55:26","slug":"a-lot-of-people-thought-they-were-superheroes-today-matthew-brennan-laments-risk-taking-in-vuelta-a-espana-peloton-on-a-day-marked-by-numerous-crashes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2118857","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-2100-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2YFiENWeo62WR9ixcZRWZS-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CPxWbXXnNwNbQkNsPJbekJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-29T18:55:26Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert recounts Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash \u2013 &#8216;It looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Double stage winner Matthew Brennan wasn&#8217;t pleased by what he saw on stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf\">After a crash-marred day at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, double stage winner Matthew Brennan has called out the level of risk-taking he saw in the peloton, saying, &#8220;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Saturday&#8217;s stage 8 was marked by crashes from start to finish, with one in the neutral zone taking out two riders, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d getting caught in one early in the day, a crash involving several riders at 10km to go, a mass pile-up in the final 300 metres, and, most notably, race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fall and abandon 32km from the finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking after the finish, Brennan, who sprinted to 10th place in Xeraco, was less than pleased with what he witnessed during the stage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were a lot of crashes today, and I think that kind of set the tone for the day. A lot of people thought they were superheroes today. I&#8217;m willing to risk it a little bit, but when some people are happy to fall off for the risk of the win, I&#8217;m not super comfortable with that,&#8221; Brennan told <em>TNT Sports<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team tried their best, and I tried to follow Christophe [Laporte], but in the end, these people were too aggressive for my liking. I lost a wheel, and then I couldn&#8217;t really go from any good place. I tried to get back, but then you&#8217;re not really in the position to sprint. So it is a shame because they did work really hard, but it is what it is.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a battle going on&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 winner Matthew Brennan explains how Visma-Lease a Bike use terrain to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You see it all day. Considering I did about 160 watts for three hours, I don&#8217;t know what people are doing. If you&#8217;re willing to risk it at 160 watts, then I think you&#8217;re a bit crazy, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, Brennan&#8217;s teammate Wout van Aert was on hand to give a first-hand account of the day&#8217;s defining crash, that of Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Slovenian left the race with heavy wounds to his left shoulder and the left side of his face after suddenly swerving right and colliding with a Visma-Lease a Bike rider before hitting the deck hard. Van Aert said it looked like Poga\u010dar lost control after hitting bumps in the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he was moving up on the left-hand side. From where I was riding, it looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road, which caused him to lose his balance, crash into the peloton and basically do a somersault,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>VTM Nieuws<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I could see straight away that it was a really serious crash. Two of my teammates were down right in front of me, so yeah&#8230; it was one of those moments where you briefly forget you&#8217;re even in a race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-know-what-it-39-s-like-to-be-injured-and-i-think-the-rest-of-the-season-is-the-least-of-his-worries-right-now-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dbc93324-a3da-11f1-bcaa-b1922e7948e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is now secure in the green jersey following Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash and abandon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47043154-a3d9-11f1-82f8-0902026faf2f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert wished Poga\u010dar well in his recovery. The world champion left the race in an ambulance, headed straight to hospital for checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He climbed on board with his left arm in a sling and padding on wounds on his left shoulder, though it&#8217;s not yet clear what injuries he sustained in the fall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert knows all too well what it&#8217;s like to crash out of the Vuelta, having injured his knee in a nasty fall on stage 16 of the 2024 race while leading both the points and mountain classifications.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s certainly not up to me to draw any conclusions about his injury right now. First and foremost, I just hope it&#8217;s not too serious, that he can recover well and be back soon without any pain,&#8221; Van Aert said, noting that Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal is a &#8220;big loss&#8221; for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now. If it&#8217;s not too serious, hopefully he&#8217;ll be back soon, but I think we&#8217;ll all just have to wait and see.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal means Van Aert now has total control of the points jersey, leading with 124 points to Brennan&#8217;s 67.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian nipped out from the peloton to grab 20 points at the intermediate sprint, incidentally just before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash, though their lead-out 35km later didn&#8217;t go so smoothly. He and Laporte led the peloton into the final kilometres, but Brennan was caught around a dozen riders back and so couldn&#8217;t compete for the win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d been aiming [for the intermediate sprint] right from the start of the day. I think we rode another really good race as a team. Everyone gave everything. We didn&#8217;t get any help, which we didn&#8217;t expect either, but we had the race under control,&#8221; Van Aert said of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The moment Christophe, Matthew, and I were supposed to finish it off, we lost each other. I found Christophe again on the home stretch and thought Matthew was on my wheel, so I actually made the mistake of launching my sprint when I probably should have waited a bit longer. So yes, it&#8217;s a shame.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With 5,000 metres of climbing on the menu for Sunday&#8217;s stage to the Alto de Aitana \u2013 not a day for Brennan or Van Aert \u2013 the two sprint stars can take a day away from the stress that permeated stage 8. As Brennan concluded, there will be more chances in the coming fortnight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The thing is, we can go on to the next one. Tomorrow won&#8217;t be a day for me, but I&#8217;ve already won two stages, so it&#8217;s not like I&#8217;m chasing anything in particular,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But yes, we can always try again. That&#8217;s the beauty of a Grand Tour.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e544db74-a3da-11f1-b856-85ee8680dd46\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor before being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France Femmes, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a battle going on&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 winner Matthew Brennan explains how Visma-Lease a Bike use terrain to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s something to show respect to him&#8217; \u2013 New Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Enric Mas refuses to wear red jersey on stage 8 podium after Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018It was fair that I got it&#8217; &#8211; Alessandro Romele accepts yellow card for crash incident that led to Luca Van Boven Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s something to show respect to him&#8217; \u2013 New Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Enric Mas refuses to wear red jersey on stage 8 podium after Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018It was fair that I got it&#8217; &#8211; Alessandro Romele accepts yellow card for crash incident that led to Luca Van Boven Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s brutally unexpected exit from the Vuelta\u00a0a Espa\u00f1a is a massive reminder of cycling&#8217;s intrinsic unpredictability &#8211; Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-29T18:55:26Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert recounts Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash \u2013 &#8216;It looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Double stage winner Matthew Brennan wasn&#8217;t pleased by what he saw on stage 8 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf\">After a crash-marred day at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, double stage winner Matthew Brennan has called out the level of risk-taking he saw in the peloton, saying, &#8220;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Saturday&#8217;s stage 8 was marked by crashes from start to finish, with one in the neutral zone taking out two riders, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d getting caught in one early in the day, a crash involving several riders at 10km to go, a mass pile-up in the final 300 metres, and, most notably, race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fall and abandon 32km from the finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking after the finish, Brennan, who sprinted to 10th place in Xeraco, was less than pleased with what he witnessed during the stage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were a lot of crashes today, and I think that kind of set the tone for the day. A lot of people thought they were superheroes today. I&#8217;m willing to risk it a little bit, but when some people are happy to fall off for the risk of the win, I&#8217;m not super comfortable with that,&#8221; Brennan told <em>TNT Sports<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team tried their best, and I tried to follow Christophe [Laporte], but in the end, these people were too aggressive for my liking. I lost a wheel, and then I couldn&#8217;t really go from any good place. I tried to get back, but then you&#8217;re not really in the position to sprint. So it is a shame because they did work really hard, but it is what it is.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a battle going on&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 winner Matthew Brennan explains how Visma-Lease a Bike use terrain to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You see it all day. Considering I did about 160 watts for three hours, I don&#8217;t know what people are doing. If you&#8217;re willing to risk it at 160 watts, then I think you&#8217;re a bit crazy, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, Brennan&#8217;s teammate Wout van Aert was on hand to give a first-hand account of the day&#8217;s defining crash, that of Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Slovenian left the race with heavy wounds to his left shoulder and the left side of his face after suddenly swerving right and colliding with a Visma-Lease a Bike rider before hitting the deck hard. Van Aert said it looked like Poga\u010dar lost control after hitting bumps in the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he was moving up on the left-hand side. From where I was riding, it looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road, which caused him to lose his balance, crash into the peloton and basically do a somersault,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>VTM Nieuws<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I could see straight away that it was a really serious crash. Two of my teammates were down right in front of me, so yeah&#8230; it was one of those moments where you briefly forget you&#8217;re even in a race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-know-what-it-39-s-like-to-be-injured-and-i-think-the-rest-of-the-season-is-the-least-of-his-worries-right-now-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dbc93324-a3da-11f1-bcaa-b1922e7948e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is now secure in the green jersey following Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash and abandon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47043154-a3d9-11f1-82f8-0902026faf2f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert wished Poga\u010dar well in his recovery. The world champion left the race in an ambulance, headed straight to hospital for checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He climbed on board with his left arm in a sling and padding on wounds on his left shoulder, though it&#8217;s not yet clear what injuries he sustained in the fall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert knows all too well what it&#8217;s like to crash out of the Vuelta, having injured his knee in a nasty fall on stage 16 of the 2024 race while leading both the points and mountain classifications.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s certainly not up to me to draw any conclusions about his injury right now. First and foremost, I just hope it&#8217;s not too serious, that he can recover well and be back soon without any pain,&#8221; Van Aert said, noting that Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal is a &#8220;big loss&#8221; for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now. If it&#8217;s not too serious, hopefully he&#8217;ll be back soon, but I think we&#8217;ll all just have to wait and see.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal means Van Aert now has total control of the points jersey, leading with 124 points to Brennan&#8217;s 67.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian nipped out from the peloton to grab 20 points at the intermediate sprint, incidentally just before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash, though their lead-out 35km later didn&#8217;t go so smoothly. He and Laporte led the peloton into the final kilometres, but Brennan was caught around a dozen riders back and so couldn&#8217;t compete for the win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d been aiming [for the intermediate sprint] right from the start of the day. I think we rode another really good race as a team. Everyone gave everything. We didn&#8217;t get any help, which we didn&#8217;t expect either, but we had the race under control,&#8221; Van Aert said of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The moment Christophe, Matthew, and I were supposed to finish it off, we lost each other. I found Christophe again on the home stretch and thought Matthew was on my wheel, so I actually made the mistake of launching my sprint when I probably should have waited a bit longer. So yes, it&#8217;s a shame.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With 5,000 metres of climbing on the menu for Sunday&#8217;s stage to the Alto de Aitana \u2013 not a day for Brennan or Van Aert \u2013 the two sprint stars can take a day away from the stress that permeated stage 8. As Brennan concluded, there will be more chances in the coming fortnight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The thing is, we can go on to the next one. Tomorrow won&#8217;t be a day for me, but I&#8217;ve already won two stages, so it&#8217;s not like I&#8217;m chasing anything in particular,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But yes, we can always try again. That&#8217;s the beauty of a Grand Tour.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e544db74-a3da-11f1-b856-85ee8680dd46\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<p>Wout van Aert<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Brennan<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sZZXd8K4JqxjkRK7teBMFc.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor before being hired full-time. Her favourite races include the Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France Femmes, Tro-Bro L\u00e9on, and cycling&#8217;s fourth Grand Tour, the Volta a Portugal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a battle going on&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 winner Matthew Brennan explains how Visma-Lease a Bike use terrain to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s something to show respect to him&#8217; \u2013 New Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Enric Mas refuses to wear red jersey on stage 8 podium after Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018It was fair that I got it&#8217; &#8211; Alessandro Romele accepts yellow card for crash incident that led to Luca Van Boven Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E4RkU8rMnBW5TwXorbSCaj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MPRqYxXGnmuLpKGZJxvxZZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I think it&#8217;s something to show respect to him&#8217; \u2013 New Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader Enric Mas refuses to wear red jersey on stage 8 podium after Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b72yVfVNrWtLjCwBS8EHse-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W9NpVsRBTco2G7biwoY7Nd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">\u2018It was fair that I got it&#8217; &#8211; Alessandro Romele accepts yellow card for crash incident that led to Luca Van Boven Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a abandon<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/prBAptdvbJ3B45dRr6k3QR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s brutally unexpected exit from the Vuelta\u00a0a Espa\u00f1a is a massive reminder of cycling&#8217;s intrinsic unpredictability &#8211; Analysis<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Disappointment at SD Worx-Protime as Mischa Bredewold misses fourth consecutive victory at Classic Lorient Agglom\u00e9ration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nVisma-Lease a Bike\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today&#8217; \u2013 Matthew Brennan laments risk-taking in Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton on a day marked by numerous crashes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-29T18:55:26Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n29 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert recounts Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash \u2013 &#8216;It looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf\">After a crash-marred day at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, double stage winner Matthew Brennan has called out the level of risk-taking he saw in the peloton, saying, &#8220;A lot of people thought they were superheroes today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Saturday&#8217;s stage 8 was marked by crashes from start to finish, with one in the neutral zone taking out two riders, Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d getting caught in one early in the day, a crash involving several riders at 10km to go, a mass pile-up in the final 300 metres, and, most notably, race leader Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s fall and abandon 32km from the finish.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c57ea7ee-a3d4-11f1-9d29-416cf4ea38bf-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking after the finish, Brennan, who sprinted to 10th place in Xeraco, was less than pleased with what he witnessed during the stage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;There were a lot of crashes today, and I think that kind of set the tone for the day. A lot of people thought they were superheroes today. I&#8217;m willing to risk it a little bit, but when some people are happy to fall off for the risk of the win, I&#8217;m not super comfortable with that,&#8221; Brennan told <em>TNT Sports<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The team tried their best, and I tried to follow Christophe [Laporte], but in the end, these people were too aggressive for my liking. I lost a wheel, and then I couldn&#8217;t really go from any good place. I tried to get back, but then you&#8217;re not really in the position to sprint. So it is a shame because they did work really hard, but it is what it is.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qNaVetYgQPFWvp3Ne8irMU-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: Powerful sprint nets Matthew Brennan stage 2 victory as Tadej Poga\u010dar fends off attacks to keep leader&#8217;s jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GbTwR8dgcxzbfFRYVG2iLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;There&#8217;s still a battle going on&#8217; &#8211; Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 5 winner Matthew Brennan explains how Visma-Lease a Bike use terrain to stop Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vGSz3mmntd7cRcLKHDx2hk-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not like Poga\u010dar&#8217; \u2013 Wout van Aert happy in support role at Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a but wants his sunglasses back<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;You see it all day. Considering I did about 160 watts for three hours, I don&#8217;t know what people are doing. If you&#8217;re willing to risk it at 160 watts, then I think you&#8217;re a bit crazy, but it is what it is.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Meanwhile, Brennan&#8217;s teammate Wout van Aert was on hand to give a first-hand account of the day&#8217;s defining crash, that of Tadej Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-mYeSu4R8RsfQAHPLiZyw9d slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Slovenian left the race with heavy wounds to his left shoulder and the left side of his face after suddenly swerving right and colliding with a Visma-Lease a Bike rider before hitting the deck hard. Van Aert said it looked like Poga\u010dar lost control after hitting bumps in the road.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think he was moving up on the left-hand side. From where I was riding, it looked to me as though he lost control of his handlebars due to bumps in the road, which caused him to lose his balance, crash into the peloton and basically do a somersault,&#8221; Van Aert told <em>VTM Nieuws<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So I could see straight away that it was a really serious crash. Two of my teammates were down right in front of me, so yeah&#8230; it was one of those moments where you briefly forget you&#8217;re even in a race.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PqHdCxLqcsCG3j55wRKHd8-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s a sad way to end it&#8217; &#8211; exit of Tadej Poga\u010dar sparks wave of sympathy and regret in the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a peloton<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLSHcRATZJ5wsZjNMcxxtC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;When Wout goes, you have to react&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar retains Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a lead after sizzling finale duel with Van Aert<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UKZMpRpti7HwnURtBmSRWd-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">\u2018Right now we have to be with Tadej the person&#8217; &#8211; UAE Team Emirates-XRG management prioritize Poga\u010dar&#8217;s recovery after Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a leader crashes out of race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 id=\"39-i-know-what-it-39-s-like-to-be-injured-and-i-think-the-rest-of-the-season-is-the-least-of-his-worries-right-now-39-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8216;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now&#8217;<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dbc93324-a3da-11f1-bcaa-b1922e7948e6\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FeWocgFCB7gupDegM3dDmZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert is now secure in the green jersey following Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash and abandon <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47043154-a3d9-11f1-82f8-0902026faf2f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert wished Poga\u010dar well in his recovery. The world champion left the race in an ambulance, headed straight to hospital for checks.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He climbed on board with his left arm in a sling and padding on wounds on his left shoulder, though it&#8217;s not yet clear what injuries he sustained in the fall.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Van Aert knows all too well what it&#8217;s like to crash out of the Vuelta, having injured his knee in a nasty fall on stage 16 of the 2024 race while leading both the points and mountain classifications.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s certainly not up to me to draw any conclusions about his injury right now. First and foremost, I just hope it&#8217;s not too serious, that he can recover well and be back soon without any pain,&#8221; Van Aert said, noting that Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal is a &#8220;big loss&#8221; for the race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I know what it&#8217;s like to be injured, and I think the rest of the season is the least of his worries right now. If it&#8217;s not too serious, hopefully he&#8217;ll be back soon, but I think we&#8217;ll all just have to wait and see.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Poga\u010dar&#8217;s withdrawal means Van Aert now has total control of the points jersey, leading with 124 points to Brennan&#8217;s 67.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Belgian nipped out from the peloton to grab 20 points at the intermediate sprint, incidentally just before Poga\u010dar&#8217;s crash, though their lead-out 35km later didn&#8217;t go so smoothly. He and Laporte led the peloton into the final kilometres, but Brennan was caught around a dozen riders back and so couldn&#8217;t compete for the win.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;d been aiming [for the intermediate sprint] right from the start of the day. I think we rode another really good race as a team. Everyone gave everything. We didn&#8217;t get any help, which we didn&#8217;t expect either, but we had the race under control,&#8221; Van Aert said of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The moment Christophe, Matthew, and I were supposed to finish it off, we lost each other. I found Christophe again on the home stretch and thought Matthew was on my wheel, so I actually made the mistake of launching my sprint when I probably should have waited a bit longer. So yes, it&#8217;s a shame.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With 5,000 metres of climbing on the menu for Sunday&#8217;s stage to the Alto de Aitana \u2013 not a day for Brennan or Van Aert \u2013 the two sprint stars can take a day away from the stress that permeated stage 8. As Brennan concluded, there will be more chances in the coming fortnight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The thing is, we can go on to the next one. Tomorrow won&#8217;t be a day for me, but I&#8217;ve already won two stages, so it&#8217;s not like I&#8217;m chasing anything in particular,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But yes, we can always try again. That&#8217;s the beauty of a Grand Tour.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e544db74-a3da-11f1-b856-85ee8680dd46\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>For unbeatable coverage across road, gravel and tech, subscribe to Cyclingnews. You&#8217;ll get comprehensive race coverage of La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, subscriber-exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><u><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-lot-of-people-thought-they-were-superheroes-today-matthew-brennan-laments-risk-taking-in-vuelta-a-espana-peloton-on-a-day-marked-by-numerous-crashes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cLxnWfvqACbRiM7HpKnEsJ-2100-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tadej Poga\u010dar suffers neck fracture and concussion in crash that ends his Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2 As it happened: Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a stage 3 comes to a premature end 3 As it happened: British sensation steals the show in first road stage at La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a 2026 Pro Cycling Teams [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2118857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2118857"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118857\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2118857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2118857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2118857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}